Affiliate Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from (to) related party	$ 0
Cleco Power [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable - affiliate	6,831	10,097
Accounts receivable - affiliate	1,125	2,991
Cleco Power [Member] \| Cleco Corporation [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable - affiliate	400
Accounts receivable - affiliate	200
Cleco Power [Member] \| Support Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable - affiliate	5,200
Accounts receivable - affiliate	800
Cleco Power [Member] \| Evangeline [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable - affiliate	1,100
Maximum [Member] \| Cleco Power [Member] \| Others [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable - affiliate	100
Accounts receivable - affiliate	$ 100

The aggregate amount of receivables to be collected from related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth, at the financial statement date. which are usually due within one year (or one business cycle).

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due all related parties. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of such liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

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- Definition

Receivables to be collected from (obligations owed to) related parties, net as of the balance sheet date within one year where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth.

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